Imagining England's Past
Book description
Imagining England's Past takes a long look at the country's invented histories, from the glamorous to the disturbing, from the eighth century to the present day.
England has long built its sense of self on visions of its past. What does it mean for medieval writers to summon King Arthur…
Why read it?
1 author picked Imagining England's Past as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I read an early proof of this book (it is published on 13 April 2023) and was hooked from the first page.
Owens opens with footfall on medieval castle stairs and the tread of time – only the stairs she walks on are seventeenth-century copies and are part of the ongoing mythologising of England’s past.
She covers King Arthur and the Crusades, Beowulf and Tennyson, Shell tourist guides, and the rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral. Her excellent earlier book Spirit of Place (Thames & Hudson) is focused more squarely on the British landscape but this new book connects to the myth…
From Charlotte's list on the British landscape.
Want books like Imagining England's Past?
Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Imagining England's Past.
Browse books like Imagining England's Past
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in legends, art, and King Arthur?
10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about legends, art, and King Arthur.